Community · Chippenham
Chippenham charity secures funding to support domestic abuse survivors
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
A local charity is using a grant from the Police and Crime Commissioner to provide essential furniture to survivors of domestic abuse as they rebuild their lives.
A Chippenham-based charity is set to expand its support for survivors of domestic abuse after receiving a boost of £5,000 from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Community Action Fund. Waste Not Want Not, which provides furniture and essential household items, has been operating its Fresh Start programme to help those transitioning out of crisis.
Since November 2025, the initiative has assisted more than 200 people, including 84 children, by turning empty housing units into comfortable homes. The charity works alongside a network of local authorities, housing associations, and support services to identify those in need of assistance as they settle into new, secure accommodation.
Annalisa Solla, manager at Waste Not Want Not, emphasised the transformative power of the service. She explained that while finding a safe place to live is the first priority for someone escaping an abusive relationship, the practical reality of starting over with nothing can be overwhelming. Providing basics such as a bed, a sofa, or a dining table helps survivors feel settled and provides the stability needed to begin the next chapter of their lives.
The impact of this work is reflected in the experience of those who have accessed the scheme. One survivor, referred to the charity by a Wiltshire Council keyworker, described the difficulty of moving into a two-bedroom property with no furniture, where she and her son were forced to sleep on clothes laid on the floor. Through the Fresh Start programme, the family received essential white goods, seating, and flooring, which she said provided her with a sense of certainty and safety.
The charity, which also champions sustainability by giving donated household items a second life, has confirmed that the new grant will be used to continue these efforts. By addressing the lack of basic living essentials, the organisation helps reduce the logistical burdens that often follow survivors as they relocate, ensuring they have the foundations required to move forward in safety and dignity.
Source: Gazette & Herald · View original